18/11/2016
NEWS STORY
Lewis Hamilton heads to desert title showdown feeling he is in an awkward position.
Last season, in the wake of Lewis Hamilton's title winning drive at the Circuit of the America's, Nico Rosberg enjoyed a run of wins that extended from Mexico right through to Russia this year.
Now, having relinquished a 43-point advantage earlier in the year, Nico Rosberg heads to the season finale as his teammate, on a run of three consecutive wins, has reduced the points deficit to just twelve.
While the German has the points advantage, it is clearly his British teammate who has the impetus as we head to Abu Dhabi, though the three-time champion insists on playing down his chances.
"I'm in an awkward position going into the last race," he said, according to Motorsport.com. "It doesn't really make a big difference if I go and drive like I do right now, because I've already lost so much through the year.
"I can't give up, because you never know what will happen," he added. "It's unlikely, but you never know what will happen.
"Nico's doing all he has to do, he's finished every race, not had any problems, whereas I have."
Asked if winning the race in Abu Dhabi, where Rosberg is odds on to win the title, would be some form of consolation should the German take the crown, Hamilton admits: "I will be proud of myself, as long as I continue to perform as I am. And I'm proud of everyone who's been a part of helping us win all these races.
"I'm happy that we as a team are continuing to make history. I'm happy that my new mechanics that I was given at the beginning of the year have gelled so well with me, and now have been doing a fantastic job, I'm happy with that relationship. I'm super happy with my engineers, who are the best."